Hate Those Tiny ‘x’ Close Buttons? Check Out This Notification Center Concept

Developer Alex Saretzky has published a hypothetical redesign of the Notification Center for iOS and OS X, replacing those annoying ‘x’ close buttons with blocks of notifications that can be dismissed by a swipe to the right or by dragging them off screen (via The Loop). The concept also shows some animation ideas to reveal the Notification Center.

Notification Center

The designer has improved both the visual design and user experience of the current Notification Center. He has replaced the linen background with a representation of the notification banners grouped by app, organized chronologically. Similar concept has been tailored for the iPad and Mac.

Here’s what he says:

No one likes the linen – it doesn’t make sense. If there’s linen behind the screen (seen when you use Siri or the app switcher) then how can you also pull down a curtain of the same material over the screen? Its inconsistent and visually blah.

The second major issue with Notification Center is the tiny little close x buttons that you have to tap twice. The iOS Human Interface Guidelines specify a tap area of 44 pixels2, these are clearly in violation. Tap above or below the x and you’ll hit a notification banner. This needs to be painless and really should be a delightful experience.

You can visit his blog and watch the video showing different ways to reveal Notification Center i.e PullOver, CubeFlip, and PushDown. Don’t forget to tell us what you think of this brilliant concept.

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